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Briar vs RetroShare: catalog facts
Briar	RetroShare
Free Free and open source under the GPL.	Free Free and open source with no hidden costs or ads.
Linux, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Works with no internet at all, over Bluetooth or local Wi-Fi No central server and no phone number or email needed	Fully decentralized with no central server Chat, mail, forums, channels and file sharing in one app
Currently in maintenance mode, with limited new development Both devices must be online at the same time to exchange messages	Useful only once you have friends on the network Releases are infrequent; the current version is 0.6.7a
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.